The number of dwelling units approved in South Australia (in trend terms) has risen for the eighth consecutive month with 1,155 approvals recorded in March 2010. This represents an increase of 2.8% from the previous month. Nationally, the total number of dwelling units approved (in trend terms) rose to 15,514 (1.5%), continuing the upward movement that began in February 2009.

The trend estimate for the number of private sector houses approved in South Australia rose to 772 in March 2010. Private sector house approvals as a proportion of total dwelling units have fallen from 77.0% in July 2009 to 66.8% in March 2010.

DWELLING UNITS APPROVED, Trend, South Australia

In the year to March 2010, the total number of dwelling units approved in South Australia fell 5.8% over the previous year. Decreases occurred across all statistical divisions with the Northern Statistical Division recording the largest fall (23.2%), followed by the South East Statistical Division (22.6%).

In the December quarter 2009, the total value of building work done (in trend terms) in South Australia rose to $1,149.8m, an increase of 2.8% over the September quarter.

The trend estimate for the value of engineering work done has more than doubled (114.2%) between the December quarters of 2007 and 2009 ($628.7m to $1,346.9m). For the last two quarters, the value of engineering work done has exceeded the value of building work done. This upsurge in engineering construction is the focus of the feature article presented in the April 2010 issue of SA Stats.